At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

12 nights hotels, 1 night houseboat, all en suite

Travel by private air-conditioned bus

Additional travel by houseboat

Optional daywalk

Discover the two southern most states of India

India’s tropical south is a land full of verdant forests, sweeping grasslands and ubiquitous tea plantations. All will be in evidence as we travel between the old spice town of Cochin and the Raj town of Munnar. A trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar allows us to see an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife. The climax of the trip comes as we cruise the lagoons of Kerala as well as relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam with the chance to try some delicious fresh seafood.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Cochin.

The group flight will arrive in Cochin in the morning and we transfer to our hotel (Please note that you may have to wait to be allocated a room as normal check-in time is mid morning). Those clients not travelling on the group flight will make their own way to the hotel and will join us during the afternoon. The afternoon is free to explore Cochin or simply relax at the hotel. There is also the chance for an optional visit to see a display of Kathakali Dancing, a form of dance unique to Kerala.See more images and videos

In the morning we tour the harbour area by boat and explore Fort Kochi, believed to be the earliest European settlement in India, founded by the Portuguese in 1503. There will be a guided tour of the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi, the Jewish synagogue dating from 1568 and St Francis church. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. Most people choose to return to Fort Kochi by ferry and wander around its fascinating streets.See more images and videos

3Day 3To Munnar.

After breakfast we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar set amongst Kerala's highest mountains that form a jagged line due east of Cochin. The drive is 160km and should take approximately 5-6 hours. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600m above sea level. It was once a summer resort of the British Government in South India. The town is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams (Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala) and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi (2695m), the highest peak in South India dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker's paradise.See more images and videos

4Day 4Daywalk through tea plantations to Mapprine Peak.

After an early breakfast we take a short drive through old Munnar and travel down to Nagarmudi, a tiny village, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into Seven Malai hills. Just before reaching the top we enjoy walking through cardamom and coffee plantations. Our hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views over Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake, Annamudi Peak, Munnar and other local villages. We descend down the same route and meet our vehicle. There is an optional visit in the afternoon to a Tea Museum.See more images and videos

5Day 5To Madurai.

Leaving Kerala behind we drive 165km through the hills to the colourful temple town of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu. The drive should take approximately 6-7 hours and we should arrive in the mid-afternoon. In the evening there are many restaurants to choose from: some of the best are on rooftops, which in addition to allowing us to sample some of the specialties of the region, offer fantastic views over the city.See more images and videos

Madurai is one of Tamil culture's most vital centres and the temple and bazaar are at the heart of this vibrant and colourful city. The most famous sight in Madurai is the Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is at the heart of the city and the life of the town revolves around it. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. The temple's nine towering gopurams stand out with their colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals. There are about 4,000 granite sculptures on the lower levels and numerous pillared temple halls surrounding the Golden Lotus Tank. The main temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the 'fish-eyed goddess' and the consort of Shiva. One of the spectacular parts of the complex is the 16th century Thousand Pillared Hall with exquisitely carved columns and its sculptured ceiling, which depicts a wheel showing the 60 Tamil years. There is also time to visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, which was built in 1636 in Indo-Mughal style by the Nayak dynasty. The bazaars are colourful and lively and Madurai is renowned for its silk and cotton.

7Day 7To Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to wild elephant and many other animals and birds.

Leaving Madurai we drive in the morning to the small village of Thekkady. After lunch there will be a short walk around a spice garden, where we can see many different spices growing. After the short walk there will be enough free time to wander around in the town where we can visit the numerous shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, turmeric and other spices. From here it is a short drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest parks in India. (approx. 4/5 hrs)See more images and videos

In the morning, before breakfast, we join our local guide for a walk in the Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 hrs) and return to our hotel in time for breakfast. In the afternoon there is an optional boat cruise on Periyar lake (tickets cannot be purchased in advance, you may need to queue up to buy a ticket yourself, queues may be very long particularly on weekends). This is an ideal way to get close to the animals and we have the opportunity of spotting elephant, otter, wild pig and buffalo. There is also an abundance of bird life - kingfishers, storks and hornbills are the most commonly spotted. Other options available today are an Ayurvedic Massage or Martial Arts display.See more images and videos

9Day 9To Alleppey; board houseboat for backwater cruise.

Leaving the hills we descend to the coastal plains through tea and fruit plantations to board our houseboat from Alleppey (approx. 5/6 hrs). In the afternoon we board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the highlights of the trip - these enchanting boats, built of Anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transport of goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. As our boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation we have the opportunity to view not only the prolific bird life but also gain a different perspective on village life. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, copia (coconut meat) and cashews are loaded on to dugouts. In the evening the boat is anchored in the backwaters and we can watch the sunset over the rice paddies. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have 2 - 5 twin bedded rooms with bathroom. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food served is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. No trip to Kerala would be complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.

After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboat we will disembark and drive to Coir Village Resort at Thrikunpuzzha (approx. 2 hours). We stay tonight in the resort here, which is situated alone in a beautiful setting on the banks of the backwater canals, surrounded by coconut palms. Later we have the chance to explore the surrounding villages and gain an insight into traditional village life.See more images and videos

11Day 11Drive to Kovalam.

Today we drive along the scenic Malabar coast to Kovalam, via the city of Quilon, once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail this beachside town has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting.See more images and videos

12Day 12Optional visit to Kanyakumari - the southernmost tip of India - or spend time relaxing on the beach.

We have a free day to enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches, warm clear waters and wide views of the ocean horizon that Kovalam has to offer. There is also the opportunity to do an optional day's sightseeing by taxi from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the end point of India where 3 oceans meet, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The trip also takes in the old wooden palace of the rulers of Travancore at Padmapuhamban - a marvellous building with fantastic woodcarvings, and the Hindu temple at Suchindran with its amazing stone carvings. (This trip can be booked and paid for locally - please note it is a very long day and the road conditions are not very good).See more images and videos

13Day 13Free time to relax on beach.

A free day to unwind on the beach, or visit the many shops for some last minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy the fresh seafood in the many small beach restaurants. Try some of the Tandoori dishes - the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to breads and curries.

Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London very early this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts 1 lunch, 1 dinner

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Houseboat

You will spend 12 nights in en suite hotel rooms and 1 night on a houseboat. Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have toilet facilities. The cabins on board are on a twin share basis; the houseboat also benefits from a deck & dining area. The number of rooms per boat will vary depending on group size and availability.

Single supplements are available on request from £355, the price will depend on the season you are traveling.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. To apply for the Indian visa yourself you will need to go through the Indian High Commission's VF service (http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk) and visit one of their centres in person or use a visa agency, such as Travcour, to do visit for you. The current visa fee for British passport holders is GBP82 (plus a service charge of GBP7.44). For UK residents full details of the visa process will be provided with your booking confirmation.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information. Holiday style

Although this is not a demanding tour, it is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see. Driving time is kept to minimum and is not normally longer than 4-5 hours except on 1 of the days when the drive can take up to 7 hours. You should also be prepared for some early starts. The roads are generally pretty good, but local traffic and/or road damage can sometimes slow us down. The trek in Munnar requires a good level of fitness, as the trail is steep in places.

Eating & drinking

Breakfast is included throughout the trip. You should allow at least £15 (approx. US$24) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most of the towns there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western style food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. Please note that hotels (apart from 5* hotels) and bars in Kerala are no longer allowed to sell alcohol, it is still possible to buy alcohol in government shops. Mineral water is widely available. Please note that service in restaurants can be quite slow. All meals are included on the houseboat.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

The most important feature of the Indian climate is the 'wet season' or monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the coast of Kerala in late May and sweeps its way northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average range of maximum daytime temperatures being between 21 to 30degC and from 6 to 20degC at night. However, in the hills temperatures can be considerably cooler and you can expect temperatures to drop to a few degrees above 0degC at night. We ask you to note that frequent rainstorms can be expected throughout the tour on November departures. However, the storms are usually of quite short duration and the sun normally comes out fairly quickly afterwards.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We took advantage of all the optional trips and for me, having been born in India, the one to the southern most tip of India was especially poignant.
It was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had &amp; I will certainly travel with Exodus again.

What did you think of your group leader?

Santo James, our Leader worked so hard to make it such a wonderful holiday from beginning to end. We kept thinking it couldn’t get any better and then it did. Santo had so much knowledge and information on absolutely everything. The picture he gave us of village life and his own experiences as a farmer made it very personal and really added to the wealth of history, culture, politics and local life; the range of experiences offered us was fantastic and we loved it all.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some of the experiences in the shops &amp; markets put me off buying anything as the shop keepers don't take No for an answer however I am aware that this is their culture but it was rather off putting.

A very enjoyable holiday with a great variety of scenery. The trip is well planned with everyday bringing new discoveries and different experiences from small villages to large towns, remote hills, fertile plains and busy seaside locations. The local people are very friendly. I would happily repeat the whole journey.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I especially enjoyed the stay in Munnar and the trek in the Western Ghats with breathtaking views of the Annamudi Peak and surrounding hills. I could have stayed here for another day just exploring the countryside, photographing the wildlife and surroundings and talking to local people.

I also enjoyed the fact that we stopped to see a small brickworks, rice being harvested and visited Madurai and the very busy Sri Meenakshi temple.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Chandra was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to accommodate our wishes. The whole trip ran smoothly. Also the coach driver was an excellent driver and with his helper kept the coach in good condition.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As we had booked a few extra days onto the end of the trip we did not feel so compelled to relax at the seaside at the end of the trip and we did the extra optional trip to Kanyakumari. Although you end up on a small coach for a couple of hours each way I did enjoy visiting the old wooden palace at Padmapuhamban and the small boat trip to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari followed by paddling in the nearby beach where the three oceans meet and where we watched the sunset.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had also read of other travelers disappointment at not seeing much wildlife on the optional boat trip on Periyar lake. We went on a busy Sunday and I considered that the views from the lake are worth seeing in their own right, we also saw a boar, deer, a buffalo, an otter and monkeys and lots of birds.

A great way to discover the contrasts of Southern India, large cities, countryside, beach, historical sights and the wonderful backwaters .This is a busy and quite active holiday with some optional trips if you want a few hours just to chill out .I was interested to see the contrast between the Northern and Southern areas of India and they are indeed very different.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the beautiful tea plantations in Munnar and the day walk we had there with Chandra our Tour Leader and 2 other guides. It was a very peaceful place with misty mornings and lovely vistas.
Also the stay on our houseboat travelling along the backwaters from Allepey. We saw interesting sights along the waterside and many birds , It was a very peaceful journey , good food from our chef on board.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Chandra was enthusiastic and looked after us very well, nothing was too much trouble, he was knowledgeable and organised and every day he answered our questions with humour.
He was patient with us and sorted every little problem .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for long waits in restaurants , nothing is done quickly and the.sorting out of paying bills at the end of a meal can be a nightmare, The drinking of alcohol is haphazard as some places sell it and others don't but there are ways and means and your tour leader will have a plan up his sleeve!!
Don't expect to see any elephants!! .

Fresh out of university in 1998, Kai decided to take a general office admin role at Exodus "for a year" to pad out his CV a bit before getting a "real" job. Many years later, he's still here, having caught the travel bug after hearing so much about all corners of the world from his colleagues. A love of South East Asia was cemented with a three month sabbatical there in 2006, followed by marriage to a Chinese Malaysian girl he met on holiday in Thailand. His Scandinavian background also means Kai is as happy in the snow as he is in jungles and beaches.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What is the houseboat experience like?

It is absolutely brilliant - a once in a life time experience! Cruising along the backwaters watching people along the shores in everyday like is great and you have little stops along the way to visit the market/churches, and also seeing the giant snake boats is fun. The staff were very kind and helpful and the cooks were amazing and came up with some amazing meals - a little canoe pulled up alongside us at 1 point and we bought some seafood for dinner!

Niraj Shrestha - Customer Operations

Will the hotels have towels?

The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Tips from staff who have done the Tropical South trip

WeatherIt is pretty tropical out there, and hot and humid certainly. It can still rain outside the monsoon, and you may just catch a few showers at any point. Saying that, it's usually a big shower in the afternoon that dries up pretty quickly and hopefully won't affect you too much, when it does rain.

ClothingLight cotton and loose is definitely the way to go, but you can wear slightly thicker clothing in the evenings, when it cools somewhat. Trainers are fine. The walk on Day 4 isn't particularly challenging. Trainers are probably better than walking boots as you may be asked to put leech socks over them if it's been raining. There are a few pictures of that, along with the rest of the tour here. Some people did find the walk tough, as it's steep with little shade. Although you're only walking for around 4 hours, it could feel longer.

MosquitosWe had no problems with mosquitoes at all. There's no net on the houseboat to be fair but it's quite easy to close the door to stop them getting in! I don't use Deet, but a natural one made from eucalyptus, which works well.

The houseboat was fantastic, and one of the highlights for me. The food they managed to cook up was incredible, and it's such a nice way to see the area.

No other major tips, I loved it all and it's quite an easy area to travel around.

Kai Aylward - Web sales

Can I catch a Bollywood movie?!

Fancy a night out in India just like the locals? Head to a Bollywood movie and join the local in an evening packed with entertainment. The Bollywood masala movies are a mixture of dance, drama and musical with a break in between as most of these are lengthy 3 hours movies. This gives you the option to leave the theatre should you want to do that! The songs and dances make it like a 60’s musical where you could have the whole locals singing and dancing to the tune. Some movies become hits only because of these. Movie theatres that you may want to visit are; Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Odeon in Canaught Place, New Delhi, Filmistan, Karol Bagh in New Delhi - but all cities have theatres. A word of warning- try to avoid the rush when entering and exiting the theatre and the crowded area and keep valuables with close to you zipped at all times and enjoy the show.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Any good shopping tips for India?

Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!

Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

What is the best way to take money to India?

Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What kind of food should I expect around the Indian subcontinent?

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Do you have any advice about malaria and rabies?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

I've heard the 'Delhi Belly' rumours in India -will this be a problem?

India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important. Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Is it possible to get visas upon arrival?

No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.

Land of the Tiger articles

Caroline Northcott, one of our clients, travelled on this trip a few years ago. Please read her inspirational article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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